The Best Half​Ironman Workouts

This article reveals some of the most potent workouts we use with our triathlon coaching customers...​By Phil Mosley

IntroductionWhen it comes to half Ironman triathlon training, not all workouts are created equal. In this feature we reveal the four most effective workouts that we set our online triathlon coaching clients. If you can master these four essential sessions, you’ll have every chance of having your best race ever. Be warned that they may take you several months to build up to.

Four Ironman 70.3 Key Workouts

1. Ironman 70.3 Bike RepsWhy? This trains your body to cope with the intensity of a half Ironman. You should start off with a few efforts and build up over time. How? Aim to ride at around 76 to 82% of maximum heart rate. If you have a power meter, aim for 75 to 85% of your FTP. This requires real focus but is sustainable for several 30-minute efforts in training. You should just about be able to talk.When? Once or twice per week. Build up to 3 or 4 efforts of 30-minutes each. Tip: To do this session properly you’ll need an open stretch of road without many traffic lights or junctions. Alternatively, do this session on an indoor bike. Example Session:3x20mins at 76-82% of maximum heart rate (75-85% of FTP) with 5-minute recoveries. Include a 15 minute warm up and warm down.

2. The Ironman 70.3 Long Ride Why? This trains your body to cope with a 90km ride. You need to get to a point where this distance feels manageable in training. How? Aim to ride at around 65 to 70% of maximum heart rate. This requires some focus but should feel fairly comfortable. You should be able to hold a conversation throughout. When?Once per week is enough, typically at the weekend. Start off with shorter distances and build up to 90km (this might take you several months). Ideally, you want to ride the full 90km two or three times in training before you race. Tip:Practice using the nutrition you’ll use on race day. For example, use the exact gels or bars you have planned for your big race.Example Session: Ride 75km at 65 to 70% of maximum heart rate.

3. Cruise Run IntervalsWhy? Popularised by esteemed running coach Jack Daniels, these threshold running reps help to raise your lactate threshold in order to help you run longer at a faster speed. How? You’ll need some idea of your current best time for a 5km or 10km race. Once you know this, you can work out your threshold pace using the chart on this web page: http://www.k-b-c.com/daniels.htmWhen? Once per week. You could also incorporate your long run into this session, by gradually increasing the warm up and warm down. Tip: Don’t run too fast. The idea of this workout is to stick to your threshold pace (as defined in the point above). If you go too fast, you will lose the specific training benefit. This is why we use pre-defined training zones with our triathlon coaching clients. Example Session: Warm up: Run easy for 15-minutes. Main Set: 4x1mile at threshold pace with 60-second jog recoveries. Warm down: Run easy for 10-minutes.

4. CSS Swim SetWhy? Your CSS (Critical Swim Speed) equates to your current best time for a 1500m swim. Training at this intensity helps you prepare you for the rigours of an Ironman 70.3 swim.How? You’ll need some idea of your current best time for 1500m pool swim. To work this out, time yourself for a 400 and 200 swim (go as fast as you can) and then go to our CSS Calculator.When? Twice per week. You could also include a 400-600m warm up and a 200m warm down, including technique drills.Tip: Don’t go too fast for the first few efforts, otherwise you won’t be able to hold the same pace for the last few.Example Session:8 x 50m at 1500 race pace +5secs rests4 x 100m at 1500 race pace +10secs rest3 x 200m at 1500 race pace +20secs rest1 x 300m at 1500 race pace

We've had great results from our triathlon coaching clients using these sessions. Why not try them yourself?